Watch: Unveiling of new Martin Luther King Jr. statue

After a three-year wait, the 8-foot-bronze statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., has been unveiled at the Georgia Capitol at 10 a.m. Monday.

The sculpture is visible from at least two blocks away, along the boulevard named for the civil rights icon.

“He’s gazing slightly toward MLK Boulevard,” said sculptor Martin Dawe. “You make people smile not by the mouth but by the eyes, so I have a slight glimmer that I hope comes through.”

Caption

Sculptor Martin Dawe in front of a maquette, or model, and a wall of pictures he used to create the likeness of Martin Luther King Jr. in his studio. The statue will be unveiled on the grounds of the state Capitol Monday. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Credit: Hyosub Shin

Credit: Hyosub Shin

Caption

Sculptor Martin Dawe in front of a maquette, or model, and a wall of pictures he used to create the likeness of Martin Luther King Jr. in his studio. The statue will be unveiled on the grounds of the state Capitol Monday. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Credit: Hyosub Shin

Credit: Hyosub Shin

Dawe said the statue’s placement as well as the timing of the dedication raised the stakes for him.

To find out why and  to read how Dawe used video to perfect King's likeness, click here.

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